Shaft-coupling



(No Model.)

A. WOOD. SHAFT, COUPLING.

No. 289,329. Patented m vrzv, 1883.

IlNrrnn STATES 1 PATENT Fries.

AURIN WOOD, OF \V ORGESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

SHAFT-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 289,329, dated November 2'7, 1883.

I Application filed January 17, 1883. (No model.)

T 0 all whom it mayconcern:

j Be it known that I, AURIN Woon, a citizen of the United States, residing at Worcester, in the county of WVorcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Shaft-Couplings, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an improved mode of coupling together two or more pieces of shafting, so as to form a continuous line, and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of my improved coupling. Fig. 2 shows the tapering clamping-pieces or box as applied to the shaft. Fig. 3. is a sectional view on line as m, Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 shows the cap or head F applied in adifferent manner from Fig. 1.

Similar letters refer to similar parts in the several views.

A A are two pieces of shafting, each of the same diameter, whose ends are brought to gether so that their axes are coincident. Upon these I place the two clamping-pieces B B, whose concave surfaces fit the shaftsA A and inclose them for equal distances, and whose convex surfaces are tapered, the end B being slightly larger than the end B, the whole forming the frustum of a cone whose sides may be either continuous or raised, as at a a a, Fig. 2, for the purpose hereinafter mentioned, the two halves having a small space between them, as at() 0, Figs. 2 and 3. After inclosing the joint of the shafti ng inthe clamppieces B B, I slide upon and over them the cylindrical case G, having a taperingholefitting the outer surface of the pieces B B.

At the end of the case having the largest opening I provide the screw-thread E and in sert the head or cap F, whose end bearsagainst the largest end of the tapered pieces B B.

Power is applied, by means of a spanner in the holes I) b, sufficient to draw the case G onto the pieces B B, thereby pressing them against the outer surface of the shafts A A and firmly joining them in one continuous line. Instead of an internal thread, E, Fig. 1, an external thread, E, may be used and the cap or head F be made to inclose-the end of the case.

Shaft-couplings have been heretofore made in which an outer shell or case having a tapering bore has been drawn over aconical elastic bushing by a nut screwing into or on the end of the shell or case and pressing against the end of the bushing, the shell or case and the elastic bushing having continuous surfaces in contact. In. 11. y improved coupling, in place of an elastic bushing I use the two separate clamping-pieces B B, whose internal bore fits the surface of the shaft to be coupled, with the spaeesG Con opposite sides, as an elasticbush ing must be bored larger than the shaft, so as to slip easily over the ends of the shaft, and when it is compressed it binds the shaft on two opposite sides, instead of pressing equally over the entire surface of the bushing. In that class of couplings in which a shell or case is drawn over conical bushings or clamping pieces it is desirable that the force exerted at the nut or capFshould produce as great effective pressure as possible between the clamping-pieces and the outside of the shaft; but in case an elastic bushing is used a portion of this force is expended in overcoming the elasticity of the bushing; and in case the inner surface of the shell and the outer surface of the clamping-pieces form a continuous contact a portion of the force will be expended in overcoming the friction between the two. In my improved coupling I chamber the shell, as at D D, Fig. 1. and also form ribs a a a on the clamping-pieces BB. By this means I lessen the friction between the two by reducing their bearingsurfaces, decrease their weight, and

reduce the surface to be finished in fitting the coupling, and also apply the pressure on the rings a a a at the ends of the coupling, and in the middle at a point equidistant, from the two ends.

I am aware that couplings have been made with clamping-pieces fitting the shaft and being tapered on their outersurfaces; but in such cases two cones h avebeen used enteringthe shell at opposite ends; or a single conical clamp made in halves, similar to B B, but having the case or shell G drawn upon the cone by means of bolts passing through the entire length of the coupling, the pressure-being applied between one end of the case and the opposite end of the clamping-pieces or cone. I am also aware that a clamp inclosed by a case or shell has been used, and having one or more sliding conical rings. I do not claim either of these tween them, and having raised ribs a a a at methods of coupling shafts. the middle and at each end, and a nut or head, 10

WVhat I doclaim as my invention, and desire F, all constructed and operating as described, to secure by Letters Patent, is and for the purpose set forth.

In a shaft-coupling, the combination of a AURIN 00D. shell or case, G, having a tapering bore, and XVitnesses: chambered at D D, the two clamping-pieces i R. B. FOWLER, 13 B, bored to fit the shaft, with spacesO C be H. M. FOWLER. 

